Property Taxes Explained: Simple, Clear Answers

Property taxes help pay for local services like schools, police and fire departments, road repairs, and parks. Your tax bill is calculated by multiplying your home’s assessed value by your local tax rate. If you qualify for credits or exemptions, those can lower your tax bill.

If you don’t pay, your county, city or town can place a lien on your home. If you don’t pay your property taxes for long periods of time, you could lose your home through a tax sale or foreclosure. If you’re having trouble paying, you should contact your tax collector (usually an assessor or treasurer) or a lawyer to learn about relief programs or payment options.

Yes. If you think your home’s value is too high (because it needs repairs or similar homes nearby are worth less), you can ask your tax assessor to review and possibly lower it.

Relief programs help lower your property tax bill. Common types include:

• Homestead Exemptions: Help lower the taxable value of your main home.
• Senior Exemptions: Provide extra savings for older adults (usually age 62, 65, or 70+).
• Veterans’ Exemptions: Provide relief to veterans and, in some cases, to surviving spouses.
• Disability exemptions: Provide property tax assistance for homeowners with certain disabilities.
• Circuit Breaker Programs: Ensures property taxes do not impose an excessive burden on low- and moderate-income households.
• Senior Property Tax Freezes: Lock in your home’s value for property tax purposes only, even if market value rises (usually based on age, income, and length of homeownership)
• Property Tax Deferrals: Allows eligible homeowners — often older adults or people with disabilities — to delay paying some or all of their property taxes until the home is sold or ownership changes.

Depending on your age, income, disability status, or veteran status, you could save anywhere from $200 to $6,000 annually. Don’t assume you won’t qualify — requirements vary widely by state.

It depends on where you live. While many programs simply require you to be 18 or older, exemptions for seniors typically start at age 62 or 65, but some programs require taxpayers to be at least 67. Use the Property Tax-Aide eligibility screener to learn more about programs in your state.

• Check eligibility — Use the Property Tax-Aide eligibility screener to see if you may be eligible to apply for a property tax exemption or contact your state or local taxing authority.
• Submit an application — Provide proof of age, income, and property ownership. Your state may also require other documents, so check its specific requirements.
• Renew if needed — Some programs require annual renewal. Be sure to check with your state or local taxing authority to see if they require a new application every year.

You should check the requirements with your taxing authority, but most programs require:

• Valid ID showing age
• Proof of disability and/or veteran status 
• Proof of income
• Proof of property ownership or rent paid
• Past property tax payment records

No. Most programs require you to apply and meet additional requirements like income limits or home ownership length. You’ll need to provide proof of eligibility.

Maybe. Programs with income requirements often require annual reapplication. Others may only need a one-time application. Check your state’s specific rules.

In some states, yes. A small number of programs are available to renters. Use the Property Tax-Aide eligibility screener to see if renter programs exist where you live.

Sometimes, but rules vary widely. Some programs won’t accept applicants with unpaid taxes, while others may. Contact your state or local taxing authority to understand your options.

AARP Foundation Property Tax-Aide is a free resource that helps you find property tax relief programs in your state and provides resources on where to apply. Our screening tool shows which programs you may qualify for in your state and provides application information — all in one place.AARP Foundation does not determine eligibility, process applications, or provide direct financial assistance, but we make it easier to navigate the process yourself.

Contact your state or local taxing authority — your county tax assessor, treasurer, or revenue office. They’re the only ones who can answer questions about your specific application or tax bill.